'Amazing Race' auditioning for Hawai'i team

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

•

'The Amazing Race' General rules of eligibility: Teams of two required: May be kinfolk, marrieds, boyfriend-girlfriend, co-workers or good friends, with a pre-existing relationship. Minimum age: 21. Health: Good physical and mental health (physical dexterity will be required to perform the world-trotting feats). Clean record: No felony or misdemeanor charges; minor traffic or parking violations OK. Current passport required: Valid through May 2004. You must be available and willing to travel for 30 to 40 days beginning in January. Download application form.

The producers of the show that sends couples or teams girdling the globe in an exotic race against the clock have extended their deadline (which was Oct. 8) by a week because of last week's mammoth talent search for Fox's "American Idol."

"I told the producers no way would they get a turnout last week, when 'American Idol' was in town," said Randy Brandt, producer of KGMB-9's "Hawaiian Moving Company," who has been contracted to serve as contestant facilitator for "TAR," as the show is called on its cbs.com Web site.

The show, produced by World Race Productions Inc., Jerry Bruckheimer Films Inc. and Amazing Race Productions Inc., spotlights a dozen two-person teams — a married pair, a sister and a brother, a gay son with a father dealing with the issue, a mother and a daughter — who compete in a worldwide race, in which they have specific tasks or objectives to complete. Each week, a team is eliminated; the surviving team splits a $1 million prize and could also snare a host of trips, services and other prizes en route.

Travel is for 30 to 40 days starting next January.

"This is a show where you don't have to sing," said Brandt.

Each team must have two people; they must appear in a videotape, which Brandt will film and send to the producers, and those selected as finalists will be flown to Los Angeles for more interviewing in December.

"Race" hopefuls have to appear, as a team, in the audition video, for no more than three minutes. "It's no hassle — you just show up and talk," said Brandt.

Applicants should download the required form (see box) and bring it to the audition; forms also will be available Sunday.

"The producers are always looking for a special hook, and would love to have two hula dancers — something they've not yet had," said Brandt.

The program airs Thursdays and sends contestants on high-end travel to exotic spots all over the world. "They literally pay your way around the world," said Brandt. Cameras, however, hover around the clock, as part of the ritual of reality TV.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.